Need a big catch or a crunching block? How about a key tackle on special teams or a tough couple of yards between the tackles?

When Auburn needs any of that it's more often than not turning to Eric Smith. And the sophomore running back is delivering.

"He is a guy right now that we have a lot of trust in with being able to play two or three different things and being able to play them well," AU head coach Gene Chizik said.

"He does so many things. Look at all the clutch plays he's made. He's a clutch guy. He's got great hands and he brings a lot to the table for our offense."

All three of Smith's receptions against Tennessee went for first downs including a key 17-yarder on 3rd-and-3 during AU's final drive of the fourth quarter that put the Tigers up 26-16 with a 22-yard field goal.

Smith also provided some huge blocks to spring running back Ben Tate on several of his big runs. Tate finished with a game-high 128 yards on 25 carries.